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‘Filipinos don’t cook as much anymore’ – Erwin Santos of FilStop
By Cristina DC Pastor Who else would be so brazen to make this declaration but Erwin Santos, 44, president of FilStop, a leading Filipino grocery store in Jersey City. Initiated into the family business as a young boy, Erwin has seen the Filipinos’ shifting shopping habits over the years. “Ten years ago people cooked so […]
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The FilAm at 6: Growing, continuing to explore the community, and asking a lot of questions
By Cristina DC Pastor The FilAm online magazine maintains its standing among the ranks of independent ethnic media publications in the New York area. We couldn’t be prouder. We would like to report a surge in readership (‘views’ in digital jargon) in the past year. I, as Founding Editor, was thrilled beyond all expectation. In […]
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Diplomats enjoy Filipino hors d’oeuvres at Foreign Consuls food festival
In an event featuring authentic national food and cultural performances, the Philippine Consulate joined 24 consulates general in New York that participated in the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SOFC) International Food Festival. Consul Felipe Carino III and Cultural Officer Olive Magpile led the consulate delegation to the event held at the Gandhi […]
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On Lunar New Year, a trip to Chinatown for bags of cheers and Malaysian beef jerky
By Cristina DC Pastor And tell me what street, compares with Mott Street in July? Sweet pushcarts gently gliding by — ‘Manhattan’ by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers It does not take Chinese New Year for us to be prompted to visit Chinatown, but it is always a good time to make that special trek […]
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Nostalgia and pure imagination go into the making of Romeo Chocolates
By Cristina DC Pastor How does one go from being college dean to chocolatier with a plan? If you are Romeo Garcia, 38, you simply drop everything and fast-forward to a chocolate academy in Antwerp where Belgian bonbons are handcrafted and made with respect for tradition. That’s what he did in 2014 when he stepped […]
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Threat of gentrification worries ‘Little Manila’ in Queens
Tenants, homeowners, and small businesses in Woodside joined with community leaders and organizations to oppose the construction of a five-story megachurch, citing commuter traffic and disrespect for the “cohesive and historic character of the neighborhood.” Gentrification, critics argued before a Queens Community Board 2 hearing on September 27 will bring a “myriad of economic and […]
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As Kabayan closes over Health Department violations, owner opens new location
By Cristina DC Pastor Kabayan Authentic Filipino Cuisine is addressing allegations it was closed down by the City for building and health violations. Owner Cherry Castellvi said Kabayan was temporarily closed because a ‘bakay kubo’ structure at the back of the restaurant was constructed without a building permit. Similarly, it had no permit to install […]
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Sisig City’s yellow truck wheels Filipino food to the 5 boroughs
By Cristina DC Pastor In the indie film “Chef,” Jon Favreau’s character finds himself flipping Cuban sandwiches in a food truck after he quits his restaurant job as a head chef because of a disagreement with the crusty restaurant owner played by Dustin Hoffman. Let’s just say that Manny Imperial is fortunate to have both: […]
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How Asian-Americans with $825B purchasing power influence buying behaviors: report
Asian-Americans’ impact and influence are shifting and growing, according to “Asian-Americans: Culturally Diverse and Expanding Their Footprint,” a Nielsen report released on May 19. Members of this diverse segment are starting businesses, creating jobs and contributing to the U.S. economy, with a current $825 billion in consumer buying power—which is expected to rise to $1.1 […]